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year 5, quarter 3
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"Stick around long enough, and I'm sure you will" Caius remarked with a slight smirk when Cindy inferred she would like to meet Lumina at some point. "She sticks pretty close. I'm surprised she hasn't grown sick of visiting my workplace at this point." Her visits were always great though, and broke up the hours easily. Otherwise, they were slow and agonizing if he had made plans with her for after he was finished at the Rest. Though Cindy's other remark made him blink a few times and tilt his head as though he were trying to figure out if she were joking.
"I'm not sure about that. The closest settlement to my home was Lestallum. Most of the women there, when my father and I went there, were much like you. Hard-working, dedicated and not afraid to get your hands dirty," Caius pointed out. "That hasn't changed in the people I've met since I've come to Zephon. Celes is a hard-nosed former military general who now leads the Dragonblades with me. Yuna fights tooth and nail to keep people alive at her clinic, even with all that comes with it. Yuffie comes off like a child, but she's fought against world-ending horrors..." Caius trailed off, before making a face as something hit him. "Most of the women I work with have, really. Both of the aforementioned Dragonblades leaders, Serah, Cassandra, Garnet, Faris, Yuffie... And Lumina. Most of them have seen as much dirt, mud and blood as I have. You fit in with, essentially, just about everyone I've ever been close with."
He couldn't help a small laugh at that thought. "No wonder Alex says I have a type" Caius remarked, still blissfully unaware of what Alex actually meant. Speaking of meanings he never seemed to get, Cindy brought up that Caius needed a break as well. "Now you're starting to sound like Lumey" came another laugh. "First to advise rest and breaks, but it wouldn't surprise me if you have put in more than a few all-nighters."
Caius was like that too, but he wouldn't admit it. As for the boys... "I hope they recover well, and quickly. Ignis and Gladiolus have spent far too much time locked up. They deserve to experience the freedom their friends fought so hard for them to have."
"I suppose I could see it. Torensten knows a thing or two about war with dragons, after all. It's a surprise we've gotten as far as we did" Caius admitted following Mu's story about how their kind had tried to immigrate to a country at war with dragons, and how well that had turned out. "Have you heard about the dragons that came out of that gate and attacked Torensten, all those years ago? It was very difficult for Celes and I to gain business at first, just on our name alone."
But it was a name they stood by, considering their origins.
"That trust was hard-earned. And we especially couldn't allow Vordun to roam free here before the whole Kraken thing."
Before that, Vordun had only entered Torensten on occasion. Mainly when the populace was already fleeing for their lives from some large monster or other. Mu had been there for one of those times, at the Festival Of The Hunt. Something that had led to Vordun being allowed on that boat in the first place when the Kraken attacked. It was hard to believe that had led to Torensten finally growing past their fear of dragons, though Caius doubted they wouldn't flee if another one were to show up. While Vordun was like a big, cute puppy you could throw treats to (and sometimes they did!), they wouldn't be happy to see another dragon, he was sure.
"Not that far from what we do. You just prefer to work alone and without restriction," Caius remarked pointedly, sliding the drinks to the two. "Makes me wonder just what kind of restrictions you're afraid of."
He had thought Mu to belong to some kind of shadowy ninja organization that paid his bills in exchange for jobs. And maybe that wasn't far off the mark, and he just couldn't tell him? Caius wasn't sure if he would ever know. Caius downed his own drink as he considered Mu's words on Sephiroth. "I thought the same. But I also met him before the Provo fight. Something about him was... Unsettling. Enough for me to warn Celes to keep tabs on things in Provo well before the fight happened. Something is off about him and his confidantes both. Notwithstanding the fact one of them set a manor on fire with people inside."
Including him. Caius was still sore about that. And speaking of sore, know what was really sore to him? The fact that was his partner who he might have to stick a knife in if they couldn't fix this. "Yeah. Yeah burden is one way to put it," he spoke quietly. It was a burden on them both, really. "I hope your romantic life is a bit less dramatic."
Post by Caius Dragelion on May 7, 2024 21:16:01 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
Caius had not, in fact, gotten a vacation. Ever. There hadn’t been time. He had only meant to state what he would have done if they’d given him one. But he didn’t correct him. Better for him to think he actually did give him one. No reason to let the future King fret about that, especially now of all times. There would be a time for that, possibly even a decade from now. And if Caius could, even from the grave and across time, help him become the king he knew? He would gladly dedicate the next decade to that goal.
But a road trip sounded… Well, Caius nodded slowly as he considered the proposal. “I have never been on a road trip before. It sounds…”
It was hard to imagine himself in one of those, he had only seen them on tv once upon a time. Out on the open road with friends, not a worry or a care in the world? It sounded almost…
“… Nice.”
But that was for another day. After all this… And after they dealt with whatever the hell Alex was doing. Caius let out a long sigh at the mention of Sorel. They were going to need an entire other day to cover everything to do with that headache. “I think he was always like that, if his rambling and change in language during our “talk” are anything to go by. I think he hid far more than he let on.”
Yeah that was a lot and he wasn’t ready for that conversation just yet. “You’ll have to get in line, though. Yuna wants him first.”
Caius supposed he should have realized it would be hard to hear Lunafreya had amnesia. In his shoes, if it was Lumina, he…
By the Six, what was he thinking? He should have been more tactful. But there wasn’t really any preparing Noctis for that, either. It would hurt, no matter how he had delivered it. Caius let out a breath as he digested and cooled down from that thought. Despite that, Noctis asked to see her. After an awkward few moments, Caius slowly nodded his head. “Yes, of course. I’m sure Lumey would be happy to arrange it. Lunafreya is in her family’s care, it shouldn’t be difficult.”
It would hurt, but hopefully it gave Noctis some level of peace. Just as Caius hoped to someday have his own. As for this wall? If Caius couldn’t get help from the ring, he would potentially be even more drained than Noctis, and it could be him fighting alone. Wall or not. That was what Caius hoped to prevent, but if it didn’t work, the wall wasn’t worth the risk.
It was true though, that there was somehow enough connection for Noctis to find him that day. Maybe, somehow, someway, this could work. It was a long shot, but they had to try.
Anything for his Lumina. Anything.
But Caius didn’t expect what Noctis would suggest. At first, he didn’t understand. And thought Noctis meant he would go ask, as Caius had suggested. But before Caius could nod his support, Noctis held out his hand. And that’s when Caius realized:
He meant both of them.
Caius’ eyes widened as he stared at Noctis, jaw hung slightly agape in surprise and for perhaps the first time, the slightest hint of fear. Would that work? And if it did, what if he was judged unworthy as a mere Kingsglaive and killed?
But most of all, he didn’t want to touch the ring. He didn’t want to feel that way again. That feeling of being drawn to it, as if he unconsciously craved its power. He didn’t want that. Not again, never again. That wasn’t him. And the idea this could be toying with a side of himself that he didn’t know existed, terrified him.
But Noctis was offering and he didn’t have a valid excuse to say no. And in the end, he knew.
Whatever it took, he had to save her. Save this world and its people.
Zephon was his new Lucis. And he would protect it. Whatever it takes.
Shutting his eyes and gritting his teeth, Caius braced himself as he took the outstretched hand.
Post by Caius Dragelion on May 4, 2024 17:59:52 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
It did not make it easier.
Caius’ cheeks flared up at the suggestion. Yes, that show of affection… -Was-… Part of a romantic partnership, wasn’t it? "Alright," he agreed with a quick nod of his head. "Given time, you will have it". By the Six, was it really wise for him to go into that hot spring now, when he already felt himself growing warm? Because he was very warm. Not in the body, but definitely in the face! And Lumina saying there was "no rush" didn't really make it any better. Sure, taking the pressure off was nice in theory. But he would have to do it eventually. And while he was not unfamiliar with the concept, since he had read books and things, it was still not something he had ever imagined himself doing.
So apparently the rings were waterproofed. He supposed he should have known, but he didn't want to risk anything happening to it. He had come from a world where everything that did, well, anything, shouldn't be let anywhere near water. While he hadn't been a part of that world for a few years now, old habits were still hard to break. "I've never been much of a ring person. Never had a reason to, or even afford to wear one until now," Caius admitted quietly as he turned to Lumina. "But for you, I can learn" came the tease, with a cheekier grin this time as he flashed the ring for her to see once he had summoned it back to his hand. Starting to gain a bit more confidence, though not entirely there yet.
With her agreement, he rose from the water... And instantly regretted it. He had felt the difference between getting out of a shower and getting out before, but somehow this was far worse! Even in this hot and humid climate, he found himself getting unbearably chilly and a sense of panic set in as he felt himself freezing over quite quickly. While he tried to hide this sense of panic from Lumina, the rings probably gave it away. Figures.
Once he speed-walked to the hot spring and near-submerged himself -- something he quickly came to regret as he walked back to a more reasonable distance to ease himself in more slowly, Caius took a deep breath as the cold was quickly replaced with HOT! Really hot! But still better than cold.
"Honestly, I see why people choose to travel the sea as their form of relaxation" Caius admitted softly, steadily sliding himself into the spring to get the rest of the cold out. "The sea air, when the winds are calm, provides the right mix between heat and cold. And there's something about the sea, it's... Calming. I don't quite know how to explain it, but it's helped me fall asleep many a time."
There was a faraway look in his eye as he stared out at that very sea.
"Back in my world, while we didn't go to the beach much, I remember a place called Galdin Quay. A beach resort, essentially, not too different from the one on the Pale Coast. Back when Eos was infested with daemons, Galdin was one of the last bastions that still had enough light to keep the daemons at bay. People used it as a base for trade and hunting operations, but... Back then, my heart had closed to other people. I couldn't trust them. And I barely slept, not since my slumber was broken by a knife breaking the car's glass and almost going through my head. But people didn't brave the beaches, they weren't lit and not even brigands would chance the daemons for long. Whenever I was in the area, I took the risk."
Caius closed his eyes as he took in the sea air, remembering what it had been like back then...
"I towed the line. Took the car as far out onto the sands as I could where there was still just enough light from the resort. Just enough to keep the daemons away. Those were the only times I felt even remotely comfortable sleeping. I worried I may risk the daemons, sure, but I did what I had to. But all I can remember is the sounds of the sea, and falling asleep listening to them. Even now, listening to the waters makes me want to close my eyes and drift off."
He opened his eyes, and looked to Lumina. It had been Caius' way of opening up to his newfound partner, revealing another part of himself that he had always kept out of reach.
Post by Caius Dragelion on Apr 30, 2024 15:27:58 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
"Know that you have our aid if ever you need it" Caius promised her when she spoke of wanting to keep the clinic going for a while yet. And he meant that. He had stated as such -- this clinic was now a part of their mission. Maybe not the most financially healthy thing in the world, but neither Caius or Celes minded dropping their own funds in to help keep it running if need be. The investment had been well worth it, Yuna had proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Teedus -- that was his name. It was a funny name, but he wasn't going to say that to a grieving partner. Caius listened patiently as Yuna detailed who he was -- or, had been. One of her guardians, which he supposed made sense as she had been a person of importance in Spira. Like a King of Lucis and his Crownsguard. He didn't know what blitzball was though, and Caius blinked a few times as he tried to place where he might have heard the name of the sport or what it had to do with being underwater. But he didn't voice it, not right away anyway. He could ask more questions about Spira later, when it was right.
So Teedus had known something would happen to him when they killed Yevon, which if he recalled was the false god -- or something like that, which was somehow tied to the Sin it had been her job to kill. He'd need a refresher on the lore bits, but he got the gist. It sounded like a story out of those books he used to read, in terms of romance. A literal fairytale ending, but one of the sad ones. Teedus sounded heroic, in his own way. Sacrificing that bit of closure with Yuna in order to save their people. Ensuring she wouldn't hesitate...
It was clearly hitting her hard to talk about it, and Caius lowered his head slightly and closed his eyes in condolence. "Thank you for telling me" he spoke softly, wishing there was more he could do to ease her suffering. But as with his own family, her grief was one that would stay with her. All they could do was learn to live with that new normal. But it also reminded him of how important it was that he save Lumina. And if he couldn't, to get that closure the best he could. Before it was too late.
Yuna claimed that if she had an older brother, they would be something like him. "I doubt I'm that much older" Caius teased with a smile. Him being the older one felt weird, after he had been the middle child for all that time. Though the food was going to get cold -- and soggy, if they kept this up. He could agree with that.
"As we should," he agreed as he would take a bit of time to actually eat. They had been so engrossed in all this that he had forgotten he was hungry. Now that she had reminded him? Oh boy, did he feel it. After a minute or so though, he remembered something he had meant to mention.
"Right, I have a request" Caius brought up between swallows. "Within the next few days, a group of boys should arrive here, from the direction of Sonora. Could be three or four of them. One has dark hair, the other a blonde, hair looks a bit like a chocobo. It is possible some of them may be injured with the ordeal they've been through. I've instructed they bring the injured to the clinic if need be."
Perhaps it was sudden to pivot to business, but it had been one of the reasons he had come. "One of them, his name is Noctis. A... Younger incarnation, of the king I served. No matter what Noctis he may be, I owe him my life and more. I will compensate the clinic any fees, I just ask you take care of them and their retinue."
Caius chewed the inside of his cheek. He probably should be chewing food instead, though. "If I had it my way, I would have brought them with me. But it was not to be."
Post by Caius Dragelion on Apr 29, 2024 21:58:40 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
The others weren’t great. That got a frown out of Caius. “I see,” he spoke quietly. “I’ll be sure to keep checking in on them. I owe Mr. Scienta for his contributions in my time, even if he hasn’t done them yet. Though I don’t remember him being…”
That was a can of worms Caius wasn’t ready to open, so he didn’t voice his thoughts further. Ignis had been blinded prior to his incarceration, he knew, which potentially had implications Caius didn’t want to think about.
He smiled slightly when Noctis apologized for the lack of time off, though. “I had time between missions, though we never really had time for vacation. There was a lot to clean up while rebuilding Lucis, and… I used my time between missions studying. Even if I had gotten a vacation, I had never finished my formal education — I would have used the time to continue bettering myself in learning our history and culture. And whatever would help me be better to rebuild Lucis.”
This was the first time he’d had time that he wasn’t spending preparing for a mission, or studying. At Lumina’s insistence. He had no reason to blame Noctis for that.
Of course he asked about Alex. He could almost swear he had gotten around to mentioning it in Sonora, but a lot had happened since. “He’s targeting Yuna, the girl from the clinic. Because she can summon. I am not sober enough to cover that fully” Caius admitted as blunt as could be. Alex was a difficult subject and he was already in a poor headspace.
After sitting down and getting the plan out, Caius took a deep breath. Okay, he managed to get that out of his system. He had been stressing about this issue so much, it was a huge weight off his shoulders to finally come to Noctis and be open about it. But he immediately regretted bombarding the Prince with all of that right out of the gate, and the Kingsglaive quickly grew sheepish and averted his gaze as it hit him what he had done. He had intended to shoot the breeze first, work up to it. See how everything was going, ask a few questions, maybe offer to go fishing again later…
But Noctis had mentioned Lumina and just like that, everything spilled out without a thought. Perhaps unconsciously he knew he wasn’t going to feel right until he was more confident that everyone would come out of this intact, but he still regretted it. End of the day though, while he had faith in the Chosen King, Caius still feared that even though he had detailed part of this plan to Noctis in Sonora already, he risked leading his own King to his death. And Caius would do whatever it took to prevent that. And whatever it took to save Lumina. He wouldn’t be himself, he knew, until everyone was ok.
Fortunately, Noctis was understanding. Of course he was understanding, he had always been like that. Too understanding, he knew that Caius had been in the wrong to spill everything all at once like that, right? But that was how he has been as King and apparently that was something that he just always had. Patience. It was a reminder of just why Caius had followed him in the first place. Was this how the other three felt? Why they followed him, even if to the ends of the earth? Even if they had to wait ten years to be at his side again?
Caius listened as Noctis outlined his thoughts. He chewed the inside of his cheek at the first bits. “I met her, she looks just like the Oracle from the pictures. But she doesn't remember anything of her previous life, and we’re out of time” Caius admitted softly. “I still owe you a debt for this. I will continue investigating when this is over, but right now… This may be our only choice.”
He had long agonized over all these possibilities. And yet, this was the best option he had. He wished Noctis had a better one, but it didn’t seem like he did. Speaking of options, Noctis had used the ring in ways Caius hadn’t been aware of, which could potentially aid their chances in battle. And the possibility he could summon a small wall was…
“It’s tempting to try, but that may be too much strain on you” Caius brought up then. “Even if it works, our initial problem still remains. Wall or not, if we die, it escapes.”
Then came a bit that Caius had only a passing knowledge of. How fickle the ring was. He had heard tales, of course. The people it had rejected, and had burned. Those who did gain their blessing in turn, had paid a blood price. All who did not possess the royal blood. The thought of what could happen to him, gave him chills…
“I wouldn’t dream of putting on the ring. I am not of the bloodline, it would only be my undoing and may not even grant us anything” Caius corrected, while also agreeing with Noctis’ concern. “However, you are the Chosen King. All these generations of kings, their souls have lain in the ring for you to command. The only one who should wield the ring is you.”
He stared at the ring on Noctis’ hand a moment. For a few fleeting seconds, Caius could feel its power calling… Urging him to put it on. To commune with the Kings.
Then he sobered back to reality. Had he really grown so desperate that he sought greater power this much? Was this what love was like, how it changed people? Or had Caius always held deeply-ingrained desires for power of this magnitude? He didn’t know, but the fact it came to him so suddenly, so unconsciously, he didn’t like it. He didn’t like that desire to wear it, even if it didn’t last. Only a Lucis Caelum, nay, only the King should wear it. Its power was theirs alone.
Besides, he had a better ring anyway. The one Lumina had given him. It held magicks of its own, right? He remembered that the rings were paired... Could Lumina see from her ring just how distressed he felt?
“Augmenting your magic reserves with the ring’s should be simple. But for me… That may be something you would have to commune with your forebears for. And by what you’ve said, it sounds unlikely. Still, there was a link between myself and a Noctis, one that even now yields me power," Caius brought up, not entirely sure if this would work, but they were running out of options, and their situation was looking grim. Yet, they had no other choice but to act soon. "Meaning the connection must still be there in some form. It may be the Kings will allow that connection, if I still technically hold it, to be used to share their strength between us. Even just temporarily.”
It was a long shot, but… They had to do something.
“Their mission is to end the starscourge. That is the purpose of the Ring of the Lucii. And if I can keep fighting, I can protect my King in this battle. That, in turn, benefits their calling. They need you, and even if they don't like it... I don't know if even they would dare defy the True King.”
Post by Caius Dragelion on Apr 24, 2024 21:38:08 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
Caius felt bad for worrying Cindy, but there wasn't much for it. At least she had settled into something calmer, now that they had moved onto the subject of Lumina. And even Caius felt himself lightening up just from talking about her. That was what Lumina did to him, after all. Just having her on the mind lifted his spirits, and he had to keep himself from going on and on about her, with a passion hotter than Ifrit itself. He had never lost that habit of his tongue loosening when the subject came up, though he was still working on trying to pace himself...
"Thank you," he spoke softly. It was strange to be congratulated on finding a relationship, but he supposed that was proper, wasn't it? It was cause to be celebrated, as it meant, on paper at least, happiness for those involved. Friends congratulated each other in these circumstances because they were happy that their friends were happy. That's how it works, right? Speaking of, maybe now that Alex had blurted out Prompto's obvious crush to Cindy, they might have a talk of their own? Though while Caius couldn't quite put his finger on it... It felt sometimes like Prompto's attention was focused more on Noctis. Considering Lunafreya may be alive, however...
Perhaps that wasn't a battlefield Caius should be drawing his sword in. Better to tactically withdraw. On the topic of tactics, apparently she considered Lumina to be lucky. Caius cocked his head, unsure of why when what he was doing felt like what anyone would do, but it was a compliment nonetheless and he didn't want to make her think he was ungrateful. "She's earned it. More than I can possibly describe. This, and more."
As a literal savior of her world, on multiple occasions? Someone looking out for her was paltry in comparison to what she deserved. But he did his best. That was his duty as a partner. Even if she wasn't some world-saving, god-slaying Goddess... He would have done this, all the same. She made him happy. Happier than anything had made him in his life... It was the least he could do.
"I am still figuring out what activities there are, I'm... Not quite used to being out here, like this. I'm usually buried in my work" Caius admitted candidly. "I can admit that I don't quite know what to do with myself in this environment. But I'm glad you're thriving. With how hard you work, you've earned a break."
He'd never admit that about himself, though. No matter how much he worked. Though he scratched his head when she asked about Noctis and Prompto.
"I know they arrived safely. That's a relief. I'm intending to check in on them when I return. Wanted to give them some space first, let them tend to their wounded."
Post by Caius Dragelion on Apr 24, 2024 21:20:39 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
"Then stay in Torensten awhile. The body needs to rest to operate at full capacity in battle" Caius advised Enma, and Mu in kind. Completely oblivious to the irony that he didn't follow his own advice. His only rest lately was when he was with Lumina. Though his attention was taken by Mu revealing he was not, in fact, as human as Caius was. Instead, he was part of a race called the Au Ra. He actually had a tail! And scales! And those horns on his mask were-
"Those are real? I thought they were decorative" Caius admitted with a small laugh. He had thought it an ornament, and had never put stock in the idea that maybe Mu didn't just have a keen sense of fashion. "They are very... Draconic. You're not selling me very well on the idea you don't fit with the Dragon-blades" Caius cheeked, with a rare pun shot by the Dragonblades leader. It wasn't often that Caius was this laid-back, not when in the midst of the Rest. But with people like Mu? It came to him a bit easier. "Suppose enhanced hearing would aid your profession, however... Though I'm still not entirely sure what your profession is or who you work for."
It seemed he had already filled Mu in on Kuja before, and had simply forgotten. A lot had happened since, so he was bound to forget some details. But he was glad to have someone like Mu around, keeping an eye out. Even if he didn't think himself a fit for their organization, Caius wouldn't say no to Mu's aid when it was offered. Nor to offering him a drink if he was thirsty. Letting Mu take their pick, Caius poured a drink for him. And one for Enma, just as a courtesy. Then one for himself, because it had been a long day.
"Sephiroth tried to destroy his world. He claims to not remember anything of it, but he got into a fight that levelled Central Provo. Not very convincing that he won't do it again. He has two confidantes, Genesis and Angeal. Genesis is a pyromaniac, an unfeeling sociopath. Angeal is more reasonable but didn't hesitate to help him in a fight with a lot of collateral damage, either" Caius thought it right to share his intel, if it might help Mu with his hunt through the shadows. "The parasite is... Complicated. The woman that is its current host is..."
He took a deep breath. This was going to be heavier than he had hoped.
"My partner. Romantically. I have to find a way to expunge it before it takes her completely, and her body will have to be destroyed to render it dormant again."
Yeah, a LOT had happened since Mu had been here last, Caius having an actual romantic partner being chief amongst them. But if he couldn't figure things out with that parasite, it would be a short-lived affair.
"The Original Sin has been... Quiet, since Celes and I stopped their leaders. Too quiet. Their activity has slowed to a crawl, but I don't trust it. They have too many resources, and I don't know where they're coming from. I feel as though they are biding their time, but I don't know what for."
Post by Caius Dragelion on Apr 24, 2024 21:03:55 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
Nothing from Argos, huh? He supposed he wasn't surprised that he still wasn't on speaking terms with the dog. It would take time, it seemed. Perhaps that would be more doable now that she was back. At least Cassandra seemed more... At peace, compared to before. He didn't understand the purpose of her vacation, but he hoped that it aided her well.
He had forgotten that he had taught her the trick, though, but he was glad it had served her. When it came to Alex, though... It seemed she had not mentioned it simply because she didn't think it would matter. Famous last words, that. Her reaction to the rumors? About the same as Alex, honestly. Caius took a swig as he listened to her praise him as a good man, albeit unpredictable.
“A good man, aye?”
Caius had to stop himself from laughing. Maybe on the surface, as someone willing to jump into a gulag to help Noctis, he seemed as such. But after what Caius had seen... “Forgive me, but he’s made it hard to believe that he’s anything more than selfish, vindictive and spiteful," Caius found himself unable to mince words. He kept his calm, a gentle tone all around, but it was clear he was crossing into territory that was a sore spot for him. "To put it bluntly, the woman I love is host to a dark parasite. One that if not stopped will consume her, and murder hundreds. When meeting Noctis for other business that Alex was involved in, I beseeched his aid. Alex later went out of his way to brag that he could save her, but not to bother to ask.”
He doubted he could have. Alex was arrogant and didn't understand the nature of what plagued Lumina. He made his assumptions and made his proclamation before Caius could even explain it to him. Once he had? Caius had no further interest in dealing with him. Caius' expression grew somber as he took another drink.
“I care not if he was a hero in your world or what ails befell him, I see him as scum. He attempted to sabotage Yuna’s healing clinic for being associated with us, he tried to knock out an innocent woman for walking in on the meeting with Noctis. And then threw this apparent fact in my face. I hold no respect for someone like that.”
That was that. Cassandra likely wouldn't be able to convince him otherwise. Not after what Alex had done. He would have kept it at that, just a courtesy tell, and moved on if not for the actual problem at hand.
“The reason I called this meeting is because of his potential as a threat. He found out that Yuna, one of our leaders who runs the healing clinic in Provo that we helped fund the opening of, can summon a manifestation of Shiva in battle. Thinking it may be one from your world, he intends to kill it. Failing to do so, killing Yuna instead. Considering he has someone on our watchlist who tried to destroy an entire world, in his employ with the Stones, I am taking this gravely serious.”
Alex was a threat on his own, yes. But he was confident that even with all of Alex's experience, Caius still stood a chance. But Sephiroth's presence complicated things. And if Cassandra was from the same world, she may also be concerned about Yuna's summon, so he did make sure to share one tidbit. “I believe Yuna’s summon is just an egi, an apparition. It was such in her world," Caius made sure she knew. "But I think Alex is too blinded by spite to care, and may try to harm her regardless.”
That lack of respect was replaced instead with an objective list of what he had done, and where it would likely lead him. And meant he would, if need be, treat him as a monster that needed to be stopped. “I have no intention of allowing that, no matter what I have to do to protect one of our own. Anything you know that can aid me in keeping him at bay peacefully, I need to know. If it comes to a fight, I will put Yuna’s life first. Just as I would do if it were you.”
He turned to her, and gave a remorseful lowering of his head a moment. Alex was her friend, he did not want to agonize her with the thought that Caius could have to kill him if Alex forced them into a full-scale fight. But each and every single Dragonblade was important to him. They were his family... And he would protect his family.
“That is my duty. To you, and to all that I call family.”
Post by Caius Dragelion on Apr 24, 2024 20:48:55 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
Part of Caius' subconscious asked itself: Why didn't he try to appeal to Genesis' humanity? Surely there had to be something in there. Something that he could tug on to get him to cease his ways and embrace some level of inner compassion. But that was where reality stepped in. Because Caius knew one thing just from talking to this Genesis.
He would be wasting his breath.
This was the kind of person that the redhead was. It wasn't a new thing to Caius, far from it actually. The brigands that had taken his family from him, their employer Cortez, the Original Sin bandits, Kuja, Sephiroth, Emet Selch, Ardyn... Alex. They all had that in common. Trying to appeal to their humanity was a wasted effort. Caius had accepted that as fact. Genesis joined a growing list, and his response further confirmed that theory.
Though speaking of Sephiroth, it seemed he had encountered another one of his buddies. Caius' breath hitched when he heard the name spoken with such familiar tone.
"Served a king. Kingsglaive -- special forces unit, essentially."
Not far from SOLDIERs, really. Not that Caius knew. What he did know however, was from Angeal that Sephiroth had once had a group of friends. But judging by the destruction in Provo, and that Angeal had previously turned into a monster that one time and flown away... He supposed it made sense that another of Sephiroth's friends would be unhinged in some way. He was differently unhinged from Angeal, however. Angeal still held some of his humanity. This one? He wasn't so sure.
Caius didn't really want to know what Genesis was inferring about the corpse. He didn't know what Emet had done with it, and he wasn't that curious. What was done, was done. They would deal with it later if they had to.
"Might not be fancy enough for your taste -- may put the gil towards the honeymoon instead. She seems to enjoy trips like this."
Was that a bit of cheek? Caius wasn't exactly Genesis' biggest fan right now, but talking about Lumina did put him in a better mood at least. He wasn't sure if "just missing each other in the middle of a burning manor" was something to bond over, but debating semantics seemed pointless. Though Caius wasn't sure how he had managed to keep a straight face while even entertaining the thought of marrying Lumina.
Thoughts for another day. Caius watched curiously as they were strapped onto the thing. Being strapped onto said thing alongside a pyromaniac psychopath was not his idea of a vacation, but if anyone was going to keep Genesis in check, he supposed, it was him. Though apparently he had said something that stirred the man's interest, as Genesis suddenly perked up a great deal when Caius asked about the poem. "A poem from your world, and a play as well? Interesting," Caius mused aloud. "I've only seen a play once, by request of one of the trope I saved on the road. It was... Nice. I shall give LOVELESS a try whenever you finish that play."
Genesis had a weird response to being asked if he was ready, and Caius didn't really understand it. Was that also from the poem? Weird time for it, but...
Caius made a motion with his hand to indicate he was ready.
"I am a touch inexperienced in interpreting poetry, never had time. What is LOVELESS about?"
Famous last words, as the boat below would start up, and Caius grit his teeth...